Moving abroad can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be expensive. The costs can quickly add up between travelling and the expenses of finding a new place to live. As a Brand, Azasend is here to support and help you make wise financial decisions, which is this guide's purpose.

It’s essential to consider factors such as seasonality, the weight and size of your belongings, the method of transportation, and more when pricing your international move. However, many cost-saving strategies can help you bring the total cost of your global movement to help you stay within budget.

The primary key to relocating is planning and staying organised; the Azasend App helps send money abroad to arrange all the requirements for a smooth transition. Click Download App to explore all the possibilities you can. Then, keep reading to learn more about saving before and during your big move.

The earlier you start planning your move, the more time you have to research your options and find the most cost-effective solutions. Make a detailed checklist of everything you need to do and when you need to do it. A list will help you stay organised, mark important dates, and note the essential things you must do to stay ahead.

2. Open a Local Bank and transfer money abroad.

Having a local bank saves you the pain of expensive transfer fees because you can easily send money to yourself. It also allows you to quickly start using the money you have saved immediately after you move to this country, so you won’t have to worry about converting from one currency to another. You can avoid costly card transactions in addition to all that. You must choose a local bank that offers mobile banking. If you are moving to the UK, read more about how to open a UK bank account. Azasend App is here to help with all your International Money Transfer Needs. Click Get Started to create an account.

3. Get rid of what you don’t need.

Moving is a great time to declutter and get rid of things you no longer need. Consider selling or donating items that you no longer need, rather than paying to ship them. If you are moving from Nigeria, some Declutter pages can help you sell items at a fair price without hosting Garage Sales or attracting buyers. Decluttering your space when relocating enables you to save money on shipping, makes you travel light (which could help you pay less for luggage), and gives you the extra cash you need. Check out our blog article on the best pages to declutter your space when relocating,

4. Draw up a budget plan.

Finding your feet in a new country can be costly; it has been said that the first year in a new location is the most expensive. A simple way to streamline your spending is to create and stick to a budget. Factor in allowances for exploring your local area and socialising, as well as household expenses and food bills. Keeping track of your outgoings will help you make savings.

5. Research shipping options

If you want to move with your family, you will likely need to ship some items over as your luggage will be significantly larger. You could look into different shipping options and compare prices to find the most affordable way to transport your belongings. Consider using sea rather than air freight, as it’s usually cheaper, although it may take longer to arrive. You can take along your essential (can’t do without) items while travelling, then send the rest by sea cargo. The arrival could take 8 to 12 weeks, depending on your chosen company.

6. Get to know your local area.

Local people have the best understanding of their city and money-saving knowledge. So set about your new surroundings at the earliest opportunity. You can find the best local food markets, shops, and restaurants, to cut costs in the long run. Social media is an excellent way to familiarise yourself with the communities, students, and content creators.

7. Think about pension and retirement.

A pension and retirement plan is essential to a person’s employment history. So it is necessary to research pension and retirement policies in your new country to get familiar. You should also save all your work contracts, payslips and pension details in case you need to provide proof of employment. Then, if you plan to retire there, you must contact your old provider and arrange to move your money abroad. If you are relocating from Nigeria, read more on What Happens to Pension Funds in Nigeria when you move Abroad?

8. Explore health insurance options.

Depending on the country you are moving to, healthcare costs can be daunting and expensive. One of the ways to ease this burden is to research health and medical insurance providers to avoid costly bills and help you save money.

9. Research the cost of living.

Before you move, research the cost of living in your new country and adjust your budget accordingly. This can help you avoid any unpleasant surprises when it comes to expenses. This should include a well-details estimate of food, rent, bills, healthcare, etc. Then, use comparison sites to see where to get cheaper or what items to save on.

10. Learn to cook at home.

Eating out can be expensive, especially in a new country. So learn to cook at home and save money on food expenses. A bonus point for Nigerians is to pack dried-up home delicacies and aree ingredients in your new country. This will save a lot of food costs for the next few months.

11. Gather all essential documents.

You want to remember any relevant documents you may need to use or show in your new country. Here are some documents you should prioritise:

12. Be flexible

Finally, be flexible with your plans and willing to make necessary adjustments. Unexpected expenses can arise, so having a flexible mindset can help you adapt to any changes that come your way.

At Azasend, our goal is to make your financial life abroad more accessible, especially regarding international transfers and payments. So click Here to download our app and start your seamless financial journey.

Curious to know about what life is like in some popular countries? Check out our other blog articles!